Description: There are three species of zebra and all are covered in distinctive brownish to black stripes. Zebras are actually black with white stripes and bellies. They have a mane of stiff upright hairs and a long black tail that has a tuft of whip-like hair at the tip, used as a fly swatter. Zebras average 4 ft. at the shoulder and can weigh up to 800 lbs.

Behavior: Zebras live in family herds composed of 1-6 mares, their young and a single stallion; up to a maximum of about 15 animals. The herds are nomadic, limited in range by their dependence on food and water. When attacked they defend themselves with their hooves and their teeth. A kick from a zebras hoof can kill a lion. Zebras can travel up to 40mph for short distances. Their vocalization is a hoarse “Kwa-ha, Kwa-ha”, ending with a whinny.

Reproduction: Adolescent mares leave the family group when they reach sexual maturity. Adolescent stallions leave sometime before maturity and either form or join bachelor groups. Rival stallions will fight fiercely by kicking and biting during rutting. Gestation is approximately 11½ months with a single foal born in the spring, but not every year. The foal is able to travel with the herd shortly after birth. They are weaned at 8-13 months.

Carousel Fun Fact: The zebra was the first non-horse animal to appear on a carousel. (The Herschell-Spillman Company, New York, 1904)